Cook County government provides vital services to 5.2 million residents including the City of Chicago, surrounding suburbs and unincorporated areas of Cook County. This year's budget of $6.18 billion means that services that already exist, such as Cook County's public hospitals and public safety, will continue to be fully funded.
The budget also looks to enhance some of Cook County's existing services. Expanding Medicaid coverage and investing in outpatient services means an overall improvement in public health and better access to healthcare for vulnerable Cook County residents. Job training programs, public infrastructure funding and affordable housing mean that greater economic development opportunity for communities that need it most. Investing in violence prevention programs, electronic monitoring, I-bonds and pretrial services translate to a justice system focused on reducing recidivism.
Cook County residents are invited to attend public hearings to weigh in on the budget. The first will be health at the Skokie Courthouse on Monday, October 28 at 6:30 p.m. The second public hearing will be held on Wednesday, October 30, at 6:30 p.m. at the Maywood Courthouse. On Monday, November 4, there will be a public hearing the boardroom at 118 N Clark Street at 10:30 a.m. That evening, there will be a public hearing at 6:30 pm. at the Markham Courthouse.